Scientific insight often starts with a simple question: Is this idea worth pursuing?
But when we’re staring at a half-formed thought, a scribbled note, or a spark of curiosity, it’s hard to know whether we’re looking at a breakthrough or a distraction.
The problem is simple: we need a way to evaluate ideas quickly without overthinking.
And the goal is even simpler: use a straightforward workflow tool to decide whether an idea deserves our time.
There’s a ready-made tool we can borrow from creative writing that’s deeply relevant to scientific discovery:
Rule of Three in Writing:
Once is an accident, twice is a coincidence, three times is a pattern.
If you want a character’s actions to be believable they have to show they are capable of something three times. We believe it when it’s consistent and repeated.
This rule of three is more than just a storytelling device. It’s a scientific insight tool for making decisions with clarity and confidence.
Why Other Decision Approaches Can Fail
Most scientists try to evaluate ideas by gathering too much information. They read dozens of papers, chase endless references, and wait for certainty that never arrives.
Heavy evaluation creates friction, stalls momentum, and feeds endless mental loops of “is this right or wrong…”, “should I or shouldn’t I…”, and “will this work…”.
The result? Our ideas linger in limbo instead of moving forward.
The rule of three solves this by giving us a minimalist structure-just enough information to make a thoughtful decision, but not so much that we drown in it.
The Minimum Viable Action
Use the rule of three to test whether an idea has a real pattern worth pursuing.
Your only rule: gather three pieces of evidence-no more, no less.
The Step-by-Step Guide
- Identify your prompt word.
Choose the single word that captures your idea-“networking,” “entropy,” “collaboration,” “bias,” “structure,” anything. This anchors your thinking. - Define three essential elements.
Write down three words that capture the core features of your idea. No sentences yet-just the essence. - Clarify each element.
Create a numbered list from one to three. For each number, write 1-2 sentences beginning with:
“By <essential element> I mean…”
This forces precision and reveals whether your idea has enough substance. - Gather three sources of information.
Find three written or spoken works-papers, books, blogs, podcasts-that relate directly to your idea. Compare how they define or frame the concept against your own definitions. - Analyze the differences.
Look for similarities, contradictions, omissions, and unexpected angles. The gaps between your thinking and theirs are where scientific insight lurks. - Test your idea with three examples.
Choose:- an archetype (fits your idea perfectly),
- a counter-example (doesn’t fit at all),
- a neutral example (unclear fit).
This reveals strengths, weaknesses, and limits.
- Draft your working definition.
Write a one-sentence definition of your idea using your refined understanding. - Make a decision.
With your three elements, three sources, and three examples, you now have a pattern-not an accident or coincidence. Decide: research this or shelve this. Either choice is a win, because it gets you moving forward.
Why This Works
Scientific insight thrives on patterns. One leg of information is too thin. Two legs of information feels uncertain. But three legs of information creates a sturdy piece we can evaluate.
This rule helps you avoid underconfidence (too little data) and overthinking (too much data).
It’s not meant to replace rigorous scientific methods. It’s meant to help us decide which ideas deserve rigorous methods in the first place.
A Soft Reset Before You Begin
You don’t need to complete all eight steps today. Scientific insight grows through an “all or something,” not “all or nothing,” attitude. Choose one small action. Define your prompt word, gather one source, or write one essential element.
Just a little something is enough to start.
As you head back into your work, remember: discovery begins when you notice the pattern. Use the rule of three, and let scientific insight guide your next move.
Photo by Jason Leung on Unsplash
